Utah football notebook: QB battle is 'very close'

Ute quarterback Travis Wilson (left) and Adam Schulz throw during practice on the opening day of spring football in Salt Lake City Tuesday, March 19, 2013. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said the quarterback competition between sophomores Travis Wilson and Adam Schulz is “very close.” He added that every throw and everything they’re doing has been tracked this spring and the numbers are almost identical through 11 practices.

“We’ve got two guys that we think are really very capable quarterbacks in the Pac-12 and maybe even upper echelon, we’ll see how they continue to develop,” said Whittingham, who noted that both quarterbacks make good decisions, have quick releases and strong arms.

Whittingham also had praise for quarterback Brandon Cox. The true freshman, he noted, was really making progress before a foot issue developed after 10 practices.

“He showed us enough this spring for us to realize that we’ve got something special there,” Whittingham said.

SATURDAY’S SCRIMMAGE: When it comes to Saturday’s scrimmage, Whittingham is looking for more of the same of what he saw in last week’s situational gathering, only better and a little cleaner.

“We’ve got to continue to cut down on our turnovers,” he said.

The scrimmage is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

BACK IN THE BACKFIELD: Senior Kelvin York returned to the practice field Thursday. He’s missed a lot of time this spring because of turf toe, opening the door for competitors like James Poole, Lucky Radley and Karl Williams to showcase their talents.

“It was good to see Kelvin back, although those other backs have been doing a great job,” Whittingham said. “I told Kelvin the other day, he better get out here because these guys are really putting on a show.”

GO-TO GUY: When it comes to having fun playing football, Whittingham acknowledged that wide receiver Dres Anderson may be second to none.

Whittingham said the junior has a great attitude and is a hard worker.

“He’s starting to separate himself from the other receivers and really become a go-to guy,” Whittingham said.

LOCAL PROS: Five former Utes are on the roster of the Utah Argos, a team in the new Professional Developmental Football League — linebacker Nai Fotu, running back Darrell Mack, kicker Joe Phillips, safety Justin Taplin-Ross and wide receiver Marquis Wilson. The PDFL season kicks off May 25. For more information: www.utahargos.com.